The room was almost dark. Only the glow from the monitor lit up Aspas face. He didnt say a word, just stared at the contract on the screen.
Verno showed up by the door, leaning his shoulder against the frame.
— So thats it? — Verno asked quietly. — The offer’s real? Six digits a month?
Aspas took a deep breath.
— Yeah. CN. Crazy salary, new roster… they want to build everything around me.
— Damn… — Verno laughed softly, trying and failing to sound excited. — Thats the kind of thing you dont say no to.
Aspas turned to him, his eyes saying more than words ever could.
They stood in silence for a while. Only the PC humming in the background.
Verno crossed his arms, trying to keep his voice steady.
— You should go, Aspas. Its the best option for you.
Aspas lowered his head.
— The best one, maybe. But not the right one.
— Man… — Verno took a step closer. — You deserve the world. Dont let anyone hold you back. Not even me.
Aspas let out a small laugh, his voice cracking a bit.
— What if the world’s too far from you?
Verno froze, biting his lip. For a moment, he couldnt say anything.
Aspas stood up and walked closer, stopping right in front of him.
— I want to stay with you. Thats my choice.
Verno looked at him, half in disbelief.
— You’re insane… — he muttered. — You’d turn all that down because of me?
Aspas smiled faintly.
— Verno, i’ve been through a lot, losses, chokes, the PRX match in 2023, NRG, the Lock In final… but none of that hurts as much as the thought of leaving you behind.
Verno looked down, laughing awkwardly.
— So we’re staying, huh?
— We’re staying. — Aspas grinned. — And we’re gonna win our way.
They stared at each other for a while, no words needed.
Outside, the sun was starting to rise, and for the first time in days, Aspas looked at peace.
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